OER and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation released the 2022 Rhode Island Clean Energy Industry Report showing an increase in sector-specific employment of almost 500 jobs – or 3.2 percent – between the last quarters of 2020 and 2021. The clean energy sector now counts 11,515 jobs in total.

Governor Dan McKee, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) have announced $59,250 in grants to help farmers “green” their agricultural operations and save energy and money.

The awards, funded through the Rhode Island Agricultural Energy Grant Program, will support solar projects at three local farms across the state.

Spring 2023 funded projects include:

Hattoy’s Nursery and Garden Center, Coventry, $20,000

This 13.53 kW rooftop solar project will offset 100 percent of total energy consumption for this nursery farm and landscaping company.

Walnut and Willow Farm, Lincoln, $20,000

This 6.84 kW rooftop solar project will offset 93 percent of total energy consumption for this third generation family produce farm.

Wicked Tiny Farms, Narragansett, $19,250

The installation of a mini-split and multi-zone non-ducted heat pumps will save roughly 200 gallons of oil (40 percent) of the annual total energy used for this local produce farm.

The Office of Energy Resources (OER) is seeking a Chief of Program Development to play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of strategies aimed at expanding access to thermal decarbonization programs. This position entails managing key stakeholder engagements, overseeing various thermal energy programs, and spearheading the adoption of effective strategies.

This position presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of thermal decarbonization efforts and make a significant impact in the field of clean energy.

The deadline to apply is July 13.

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources has been traveling around Rhode Island to interview recipients of the Erika Niedowski Electric Bike Rebate Program, which offers standard and income-qualified rebates for electric bikes. These bikes offer enhanced speed and distance compared to conventional bikes while still providing exercise and the joy of biking.

Kent Kreutler, a retired resident of Charlestown, Rhode Island, is thoroughly enjoying his new Aventon electric bike. After purchasing the bike for $1,800, he was delighted to receive a $1,000 rebate provided by OER, which is available to income-eligible residents.

"Electric bikes allow you to go further and faster, which makes them a viable form of transportation for getting around town," said Kent.